Barnstormers May Leave AFL, Join Different League

Barnstormers May Leave AFL, Join Different League

DES MOINES – After one of the most disappointing finishes in franchise history, the Iowa Barnstormers have some decisions to make.

Iowa lost their last 7 games to finish last in the American East division at 6-12.

The Barnstormers now have 5 straight losing seasons.

Jeff Lamberti, Barnstormer President, told channel 13 the team is exploring all options this off-season which includes the possibility of leaving the Arena Football League to join a different league. It’s not guaranteed that the Barnstormers will be playing in the AFL next season.

Iowa is the smallest market team in the AFL and has trouble attracting some of the top free agents to Des Moines.

One possibility is joining the IFL, Indoor Football League. This is a step down from the AFL and consists of smaller market teams; Cedar Rapids, Sioux Falls, Green Bay, Bemidji, etc.

Curtis Shaw

Kaitlyn

The AFL is not necessarily a better league or better talent…. It is a DIFFERENT league. Rules and play style is very different. Yes the AFL has a larger national following but it also is mainly passing so many talented O-linemen will stick to the IFL because it shows there ability to block for the run…something they need for film and to impress NFL scouts. Personally as a fan of the Green Bay Blizzard and the layout of the IFL game it think it would be great to have the Barnstormers in the league! Every league at every level has pros and cons – with time anyone will adopt the love for the IFL and its style!